Multi-Component Backpack

ABSTRACT

A multi-component backpack comprising a first storage component and a second storage component, wherein the first, second or both components are insulated.

BACKGROUND

Backpacks may be employed to aid in the transportation of objects from place to place. Children and adults involved in academics may use backpacks to transport books, binders and other scholarly materials from class to class. Backpacks may also be employed in various other activities. Hiking is another activity during which a backpack may be employed. In this case, a backpack could be used to carry a hiker's water, first-aid kit, tools and other necessary items. In the event that a hiking trip or day of academics is particularly lengthy, the participant may bring along a lunch to sustain him/her during the activity.

Lunches are often carried in a separate lunchbox. Lunchboxes may be thermally insulated in order to maintain contents in a more conducive storage environment. Such insulation allows the participant to extend the viable consumption time of food for periods greater than allowed absent insulation.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a multi-component backpack is disclosed. The multi-component backpack comprises a first storage component and a second storage component. The two components are detachably coupled together, and one, or the other, or both of the components are insulated.

In another embodiment, a system for identifying an incomplete multi-component backpack is disclosed. The system comprises a first storage component containing at least one accessible compartment. The system also comprises an indicator configured to indicate that the multi-component backpack is incomplete. The system also comprises a second storage component. Removal of the second storage component causes expression of the indicator thus indicating that the multi-component backpack is incomplete.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-component backpack is disclosed. The method comprises fabricating a first storage component and a detachably coupled second storage component. The method also comprises providing an indicator configured to indicate that the multi-component backpack is incomplete upon detachment of the first and second components.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying figures and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of a multi-component backpack according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system displaying an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system concealing an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system displaying an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system displaying an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system displaying an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of a multi-component backpack system displaying an indicator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, a multi-component backpack 100 is described. In an embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises a backpack component 120 and a lunchbox component 140. The backpack component 120 comprises a first handle 132, a first zippered compartment 130, a second zippered compartment 128, side pockets 126 and 127, a first fastening component 121 comprising a loop strip 122 and a hook strip (not shown), and a female fastener 124 of a second fastening component 125. The lunchbox component 140 comprises a second handle 142, an inner pocket 146, an insulating layer 148, a zippered compartment 150, and a male fastener 152 configured such that it may be mated with the first clip 124.

While in some contexts, the backpack component 120 may be referred to as a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, etc., for the purposes of this disclosure it will be referred to as the backpack component 120. While in some contexts, the lunchbox component 140 may be referred to as a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, a lunch pail, a lunch bag, an attachment, a lunch pocket, etc., for the purposes of this disclosure it will be referred to as the lunchbox component 140.

The multi-component backpack 100 is configured to allow the user to attach the lunchbox component 140 to the backpack component 120, thus allowing the user to transport the two components. For example, the two components may be transported hands-free by slipping the shoulder straps over the user's shoulders. The ability to transport the multi-component backpack 100 hands-free may be useful to the user when circumstances call for food and other materials to be transported concurrently or when the user prefers to transport both components 120, 140 as a unit.

In one embodiment, the backpack component 120 is a backpack comprising two shoulder straps, the first handle 132, the first zippered compartment 130 being configured to carry books, the second zippered compartment 128 being configured to be a front storage pocket, the side pockets 126 and 127 comprising a mesh net and being configured to store water bottles, the loop strip 122, and the female fastener 124. In such an embodiment, the lunchbox component 140 is a lunchbox coupled to the backpack component 120 by a hook strip and the male fastener 152. In this embodiment, the lunchbox component 140 comprises the second handle 142, the inner pocket 146 comprising a mesh net, the insulating layer 148, the zippered compartment 150 and a hard plastic liner on the bottom of the lunchbox component 140 configured for support.

In other embodiments, the multi-component backpack 100 may adopt different forms. The multi-component backpack 100 may comprise additional re-sealable compartments. These additional compartments may facilitate the transport and/or storage of additional items. Further, the multi-component backpack 100 may comprise additional detachable components, and all components may vary in location. Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the multi-component backpack 100 further comprises a third detachable component 145. The third detachable component may adopt several different forms. For example, the third detachable component may be configured to store a cell phone, a laptop, pencils, books, a camera, a music player, or other portable items.

In an embodiment, the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 may be attached using different methods. The two components may be attached using a zipper, a button, hook and loop strips, a clip, a snap, a buckle, a magnet, a strap, or combinations thereof. The other features of the multi-component backpack 100 may likewise be varied. In an embodiment, the backpack component 120 may be insulated. This feature may be useful when a smaller lunchbox component 140 does not provide sufficient insulated space. Similarly, the lunchbox component 140 may have substantially the same dimensions as the back pack component 120. Such a configuration would provide more space and still allow the components to be separated. This ability to separate the components may be beneficial when the user is a member of a group, the group splits up, and each sub-group carries provisions. To further facilitate such a situation, both components may comprise features to aid in their transportation. For example, both the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 may comprise a shoulder strap, a belt, a handle, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, the components 120, 140 of the multi-component backpack 100 may comprise different materials. The insulation used in the components may comprise vinyl laminated with aluminized mylar, neoprene, a polyethylene terephthalate insulator, reflective metal insulation, a synthetic fiber thermal insulator, or other insulating materials. The components 120, 140 themselves may comprise nylon, vinyl, polyester, canvas, cotton, wool, leather, denim, corduroy or other materials. In some embodiments, the inner pocket 146 of the lunchbox component 140 may comprise a mesh net, while in others it may comprise a continuous material. Likewise, in some embodiments, the pair of side pockets 126 may comprise a mesh net, while in others it may comprise a continuous material.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a system for identifying an incomplete multi-component backpack is discussed. In an embodiment, a multi-component backpack system 250 comprises a multi-component backpack 100, further comprising the backpack component 120, the lunchbox component 140, and an indicator 160. FIG. 2A depicts expression of the indicator 160 upon decoupling the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140.

In an embodiment, the indicator 160 may comprise an image that is uncovered by decoupling the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. For example, the image may be a stop sign configured to alert the user that the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120 are not properly coupled together. The indicator 160 may comprise a nature scene, a television character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, a mythological character or another image. In other embodiments, the indicator 160 may be a distinctive color.

In one embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250 may be configured to detect when the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120 are decoupled. In such an embodiment, the indicator 160 may be configured to express an audible tone or to turn on a light. Upon detection that the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120 are not coupled, the multi-component backpack system 250 would express the indicator 160 which, in this embodiment, is configured to express an audible tone. In relation to this embodiment, there are multiple possibilities for the indicator 160. The indicator 160 may comprise a programmable electronic device into which the user may program desired functions. For example, a parent may program the indicator 160 comprising a programmable electronic device to begin beeping fifteen minutes after his/her child's known lunch period or last period of the school day if the multi-component backpack system 250 detects that the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120 are not coupled together. The indicator 160 may comprise a detector switch. This may prevent the child from losing a component of the multi-component backpack 100. In other embodiments, the indicator 160 may express a constant tone, a periodic tone, etc., upon detection that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete. The tone may sound for a short duration at periodic intervals when components 120, 140 are decoupled, for example sounding for two seconds every minute or for other durations and/or at other periodic intervals. The indicator 160 may be configured to promote a user programming a tone to be played back, for example a voice message or a segment of a popular song. In some embodiments, a similar method to that discussed above may be used to turn on a light configured to indicate that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete.

FIG. 2B shows the multi-component backpack system 250 when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together to form the multi-component backpack 100 in its completed state. In this embodiment, the indicator 160 is concealed by the lunchbox component 140, thus indicating that the multi-component backpack 100 is complete. When the indicator 160 comprises an electronic device, the detector switch may close when the components 120, 140 are coupled.

In one embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250 may comprise a motion detector. The motion detector may be configured to activate expression of the indicator 160 upon detecting that the multi-component backpack 100 is in motion and incomplete. In some embodiments, given expression of the indicator 160 due to the multi-component backpack 100 being incomplete, the motion detector may be configured to increase the expression of the indicator 160 upon detecting that the multi-component backpack 100 in motion. For example, expression may be increased by increasing the volume of the beeps or tone, by decreasing the time between beeps, or both. In a different embodiment, the motion detector may be configured to limit the expression of the indicator 160 to times when the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete and in motion. Such a configuration may prevent undue expression of the indicator 160 in the event that the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are proximate each other but not coupled together. For example, such a configuration may prevent expression of the indicator 160 when the two components are stored in the user's locker.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the multi-component backpack system 250 is further discussed. In an embodiment, the multi-component backpack system 250 comprises the multi-component backpack 100, further comprising the backpack component 120, the lunchbox component 140, a first indicator component 170 a and a second indicator component 170 b. FIG. 3A depicts expression of the indicator components 170 a and 170 b upon decoupling the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140.

In an embodiment, the indicator components 170 a and 170 b come together to form an indicator 170. FIG. 3B shows the multi-component backpack system 250 when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together to form the multi-component backpack 100 in its completed state. In this embodiment, the indicator 170 is a completed image, thus indicating that the backpack component 120 is coupled to the lunchbox component 140 forming the complete multi-component backpack 100.

In an embodiment, the indicator 170 may be a two-dimensional image configured to appear in its completed form when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together. In such a configuration, neither the backpack component 120, nor the lunchbox component 140 would show a completed image in an uncoupled state. Thus, the user may identify that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete if he/she fails to see the completed image that the multi-component backpack 100 would be expressing in its completed form. In similar embodiments, the image may comprise a nature scene, a television character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, a mythological character or another two-dimensional image.

In one embodiment, the indicator 170 may be a three-dimensional image configured to appear in its completed form when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled together. In such a configuration, neither the backpack component 120, nor the lunchbox component 140 would show a completed image in an uncoupled state. Thus, the user may identify that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete if he/she fails to see the completed image that the multi-component backpack 100 would be expressing in its completed form. In an embodiment, the three-dimensional image formed by joining the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 to form the multi-component backpack 100 may be of an animal. A turtle, for example, may be formed by configuring the backpack component 120 to look like a turtle body, and configuring the lunchbox component 140 to look like a turtle shell. Coupled together, the lunchbox component 140 and the backpack component 120 would form the multi-component backpack 100 and form a three-dimensional image of a turtle. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional image may be a nature scene, a television character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, a mythological character or any other three-dimensional image.

Although the indicator 160 and the indicator 170 are discussed independently, said indicators may both be included concurrently in the same multi-component backpack 100. In an embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises the indicator 160 and the indicator 170, wherein the indicators 160 and 170 may function simultaneously. For example, the indicator 160 may be an image exposed upon the detachment of the lunchbox component 140 from the backpack component 120, and the indicator 170 may be a three-dimensional image configured to appear in its completed form when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled. Removal of the lunchbox component 140 may cause expression of the indicator 160 by revealing an image and also cause expression of the indicator 170 by failing to complete a three-dimensional image. In another embodiment, the multi-component backpack 100 comprises both the indicator 160 and the indicator 170 concurrently, wherein the indicator 160 may be configured to express an audible tone, and the indicator 170 may take the form of a completed image when the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 are coupled. In this embodiment, the lunchbox component 140 may be placed proximate the backpack component 120, but not be coupled to it, thereby giving the appearance of a completed image. In this case, the user may fail to notice the expression of the indicator 170. In this embodiment, the indicator 160, configured to express an audible tone, would be expressed and may be more noticeable to the user.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the third detachable component 145 may also comprise an indicator 180 configured to indicate its detachment from the multi-component backpack 100. Indicator 180 may function using any of the methods discussed above for indicators 160 and 170, or it may function by a different method. Further, each additional detachable component, e.g. a fourth, fifth, sixth detachable component, etc., may also comprise an indicator configured to detect its detachment from the multi-component backpack 100.

As noted, the third detachable component 145 and/or other detachable components may comprise various indicators, e.g. indicator 180, different than those embodied by the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. In an embodiment, the third detachable component 145 may comprise the indicator 180 configured to express an image upon detachment of the third detachable component 145 from the multi-component backpack 100. In said embodiment, the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140 may comprise the indicator 160 configured to express a different image upon detachment of the lunchbox component 140 from the multi-component backpack 100.

In some embodiments, the third detachable component 145 and/or additional detachable components may comprise substantially similar indicators to the backpack component 120 and the lunchbox component 140. For example, the third detachable component 145, additional detachable components, the backpack component 120, and the lunchbox component 140 may comprise the indicator 160 comprising a substantially similar image, audible tone, or light in all cases. An indicator substantially similar to the indicator 170 may likewise be employed. The third detachable component 145, additional detachable components, the backpack component 120, and the lunchbox component 140 may form a completed image when coupled together to form the multi-component backpack 100. In this embodiment, removal of any one of the detachable components would result in an incomplete image, thus indicating that the multi-component backpack 100 is incomplete.

While being included concurrently in the same multi-component back pack 100, it is contemplated that the indicators 160, 170 and 180 may function at different times. In an embodiment, the indicator 180 may be configured to indicate the detachment of the third detachable component 145 while the indicator 170 may be configured to indicate the detachment of the lunchbox component 140. In such an embodiment, the third detachable component may be detached from the multi-component backpack 100, thus causing the expression of the indicator 180 while the indicator 170 is not expressed.

In an embodiment, the indicator 180 may be configured to indicate the detachment of the third detachable component 145 while the indicator 160 may be configured to indicate the detachment of the lunchbox component 140. In such an embodiment, the third detachable component may be detached from the multi-component backpack 100, thus causing the expression of the indicator 180 while the indicator 160 is not expressed. In other embodiments, the indicator 160, the indicator 170, and the indicator 180 may function at different times in response to detachment of additional detachable components.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a method 400 is discussed. At block 410 the components of a multi-component backpack are fabricated. These components comprise a first storage component and a detachably coupled second storage component. In some contexts, the first storage component may be referred to as a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, etc., but for the purposes of this disclosure it will be referred to as the first storage component. In some contexts, the second storage component may be referred to as a lunchbox, a backpack, a bag, a case, a pack, a lunch pail, a lunch bag, an attachment, a lunch pocket, etc., but for the purposes of this disclosure it will be referred to as the second storage component. In some embodiments, the first storage component and the second storage component may be coupled by a zipper, a button, hook and loop strips, a clip, a snap, a buckle, a magnet, a strap, or combinations thereof.

At block 420 an indicator, configured to indicate incomplete assembly of the first and second storage components, is provided. In various embodiments, the indicator may be a color, a two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image, or an audible tone. In an embodiment, the indicator may comprise an electronic device configured to detect whether or not the first storage component and the second storage component are coupled together.

At block 430 the first storage component, the second storage component, and the indicator are coupled to assemble a multi-component backpack configured such that the detachment of the second storage component from the first storage component causes expression of the indicator. In some embodiments, the location of attachment of the first storage component and the second storage component may vary. In some embodiments, the nature of the indicator may vary.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-component backpack, comprising: a first storage component; and a second storage component; wherein the first storage component and the second storage component are detachably coupled, and where the first, second, or both components are insulated.
 2. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, wherein insulation comprises vinyl laminated with aluminized mylar, neoprene, a polyethylene terephthalate insulator, reflective metal insulation, a synthetic fiber thermal insulator, or combinations thereof.
 3. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, wherein the first, second or both components further comprise at least one of: a shoulder strap, a handle, a waist band, or any combination thereof.
 4. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, further comprising at least a third detachable storage component.
 5. The multi-component backpack of claim 4, wherein the third detachable storage component is configured to store a mobile electronic device.
 6. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, wherein the first, second or both components comprise: nylon, vinyl, polyester, canvas, cotton, wool, leather, denim, corduroy, or combinations thereof.
 7. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, wherein the coupling of the first and second components comprises: a strap, a buckle, a clip, hook and loop strips, a button, a snap, a zipper, a magnet, or combinations thereof.
 8. The multi-component backpack of claim 1, wherein the second component further comprises a hard liner configured for support.
 9. A system for identifying an incomplete multi-component backpack, comprising: a first storage component containing at least one accessible compartment; an indicator, wherein the indicator indicates the incomplete multi-component backpack; and a second storage component, wherein decoupling of the second storage component causes expression of the indicator.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the indicator is a color.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the indicator is configured to express an audible tone.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the indicator comprises an electronic device.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the indicator comprises an image exposed by the detachment of the second storage component from the first storage component.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein detachment of the second storage component from the first storage component yields an incomplete image.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the image is one of: a nature scene, a television character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, or a mythological character.
 16. A method of manufacturing a multi-component backpack, comprising: providing an indicator, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate the incomplete multi-component backpack; and fabricating the multi-component backpack, wherein the multi-component backpack comprises a first storage component and a second storage component such that the first and second storage components are detachably coupled and detachment of the second storage component causes expression of the indicator.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indicator is a color.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the indicator is an image exposed by the detachment of the second storage component from the first storage component.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein detachment of the second storage component from the first storage component yields an incomplete image.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the image is one of: a nature scene, a television character, a cityscape, a painting, a person, an animal, a mechanical device, a tool, a game, a book, or a mythological character. 